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Canada’s leading comedy festival and arguably the largest event in the world dedicated to making you chuckle, Montreal Just for Laughs returns to the Quebec city from July 13th until August 1st.
See the best comedians and humorous acts from across the globe at this fortnight of fun in Montreal, home of comedy in Canada since the festival began in 1983!
Inject some satire into your Canadian holiday and head to the city’s ‘Quartier Des Spectacles Montreal’ throughout the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival, an area known for its theatres, cafes and bars. During the festival, several of these venues and exhibition spaces host stand-up gigs, theatrical displays and funny performances, so be sure to check the festival schedule to find out which performers will be where.
The 2016 Montreal Just for Laughs Festival is set to welcome an impressive line-up of over 1,700 artists on stage again this year, with the likes of Canadian born comedy heavyweights Howie Mandel and Tom Green reinforcing the country’s reputation on the circuit. You’ll also recognise a few fellow Brits, as Jimmy Carr and Mark Watson will be putting in an appearance.
The international invasion doesn’t stop there either, with several of the most prominent American comedians also crossing the border to put a smile on your face. Enjoy the sarcastic one-liners of Sarah Silverman, Louis C.K. and David Cross at venues in the evening.
If you’re looking to keep the laughs coming during the day, there’s also a number of outdoor shows, theatre productions and street art happening in the area to tickle your fancy.
It should come as no surprise that the historic city of Montreal is a global centre for humour, given the country is home to some of the best talent on the scene. Take a look at just a few of the comedy giants who are born and raised Canucks!
Mike Myers
Yes, Austin Powers – “international man of mystery”- is actually Canadian! The star of numerous funny films including Wayne’s World and Shrek was born in the Scarborough district of Toronto in Ontario. His parents were former Liverpudlians, so perhaps that infamous Scouse wit rubbed off on Myers. Either way, Myers’ Canadian roots are something the comedian is incredibly proud of. At a White House state dinner earlier this year, Myers raved about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s influence on the country, saying, “I feel very, very proud and very happy with what’s happened in Canada. I think we are poised for very fantastic things.”
Jim Carrey
Arguably one of the greatest living comedians today, Jim Carrey has graced the screen in some of our favourite comedies including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Dumb and Dumber. He may be a hit in Hollywood, but his heart is back in Canada. Carrey actually grew up in Newmarket, Ontario. As a young comedian, Carrey honed his stand-up skills at the comedy club Yuk Yuk’s in Toronto and as a rising star on the circuit moved to Los Angeles to further his career.
Dan Aykroyd
Comedy legend Dan Aykroyd may once have been the man to call when New York needed saving in Ghostbusters, but the funny guy originally hails further north of the U.S./Canada border. Aykroyd was born in Canada’s capital of Ottawa in Ontario. Interestingly, Aykroyd has the province to thank for his role in The Blues Brothers, as a jazz club in the area at the time (Le Hibou or ‘the Owl’) inspired the young Aykroyd’s interest in the blues. In 2000, Aykroyd was appointed to the Order of Canada recognising his contributions to film and television.
Image Credit: WikiPedant, David Shankbone, Ian Smith, Rnunezart (wikimedia.org), AV Design (flickr.com)
